22/06/11
By Lois Avery
The cost of insuring a small hatchback for new drivers has shot up to almost £2,000, according to new research. This time last year the cheapest premium for a new driver insuring a Ford Ka for a year came in under £900.
Now the best quote for a newly qualified driver wanting to insure a Ford Ka has more than doubled to £1,835, according to figures by price comparison site Confused.com. Another change for new drivers is the most popular car models with newly qualified drivers. The Fiat 500 Pop knocks last year’s favourite, the Vauxhall Corsa, from the top spot.
The Fiat 500 is now the most popular choice among drivers who passed their test within the last 12 months. But it will cost more than £1,786 to insure. Other small motors making the 2011 list include the Ford Ka, the Honda Jazz, Citroen C3, and Peugeot 107. Falling off of this year’s list altogether is the Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio.
Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, said: “The Fiat 500 is a new favourite with freshly qualified drivers - this model didn’t appear at all in the Confused.com top ten for new drivers last year.
"The popularity of these cars may have been led by their use by many driving instructors and also by the relatively cheap insurance cost compared to other small cars.
“With rising premiums it’s more important to compare prices now than ever before.
"Getting reasonably-priced car insurance can be a nightmare for younger drivers but 50 per cent of under 25s could save up to £571* on car insurance premiums by using Confused.com to find the best deal."
*Savings based on online independent research, Consumer Intelligence (May ’11). 50% of consumers, aged 17 - 25, could make this saving.
